Mechanisms underlying reduced ovarian reserve due to being BRCA2(pT1942Kfs/+) in jcl: SD rats

BRCA1/2 are the responsible genes for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. It is well known that carrying pathogenic variants in these genes increases the risk of associated cancers, and guidelines regarding their treatment and prevention are also being established. On the other hand, the impact of these pathogenic variants on fertility remains unclear, and clinical guidelines in this regard have not yet been established. In this study, to assess the effects of BRCA2 mutations on female fertility, Brca2(p.T1942fs/+) Jcl:SD rats were utilized to investigate their reproductive capacity, the changes in follicle numbers with age, and the mechanisms involved.